Light the Trees: Holiday Events in the Rockies
5 festive events to get you in the holiday spirit
The spirit of the season can be felt in the small towns that dot the Rocky Mountains. From Jackson, Wyoming to Telluride, Colorado, there are lots of reasons to visit during this festive time of year.
Town Square Tree Lighting
Jackson, Wyoming
November 29, 2019
Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce
Jackson has the perfect Town Square for celebrating. The tree lighting is a holiday favorite and there is music and carol singing—Santa Claus even comes to this event.
Held each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, thousands of LED bulbs are wrapped around the trees and the famous elk antler arches that welcome guests to the square.
A genuine small-town event, local businesses take part in bringing cookies, hot chocolate and coffee for patrons to enjoy beneath Wyoming’s starry skies.
Revely
Vail, Colorado
November 23-30, 2019
Photo courtesy of Vail Revely
Vail is a magical place at any time of year but when the village twinkles and the snow is softly falling, there’s something extra special about this ski town.
A brand new event plans to bring even more holiday magic to Vail Village. Revely takes place November 23 through 30 and includes a smorgasbord of events culminating with the Kris Kringle Market, 10th Mountain Parade and tree lighting ceremony.
This event also includes amazing cooking classes with some of Vail’s top chefs. Come to Revely and enjoy the magic of the season with your partner, family or friends this year.
Canyon Village Tree Lighting Ceremony
Park City, Utah
November 23, 2019
Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts
Park City pulls out all the stops for its residents and visitors during the holidays. At the lighting ceremony, there will be live music by Paul Cave, crafts and a hot cocoa bar at the Umbrella Bar. The lighting of the tree is followed by photos with the big guy himself. That’s right, Santa comes to this event.
Be sure to stay for the fireworks show that officially marks the start of the holiday season in Park City.
Light Up the Night
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
November 24, 2019
This northwestern Colorado town has a lot to offer when it comes to visitors. The ski resort is known for its champagne powder and downtown is always alive with energy.
It is important to get as close to the courthouse lawn as possible for holiday carols and a ping pong drop from the sky. Specials from downtown merchants will be hidden in the balls, so make sure to get a good spot.
After the drop, there will be a countdown to the lighting of the lights. Santa makes his first appearance in Steamboat Springs right after this event and will be welcoming guests across the street from the courthouse lawn.
Noel Night
Telluride, Colorado
December 4, 2019
Photo courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort
Just when we thought Telluride couldn’t be any more picturesque, the town dresses up for the holidays. Historic buildings are lit with thousands of lights and the village twinkles with spirit.
Noel Night is punctuated by the ceremonial Ski Tree and Main Street lighting ceremony at Elks Park. The evening becomes a shopping extravaganza as retailers stay open late and offer discounts, food and beverages.
